Moff, take a look at the OP. A lot of useful information in there. You'll find the answers to all your questions on previous pages.
Now is as good a time as any to pledge. If you don't want to spend too much get the "Digital Scout" package for $40, as it includes the full game, access to alfa and beta (+ hangar) and the basic ship Aurora. There is no pay to win. You'll be able to buy everything with in-game currenty.
I did read the Op and the last few pages. I dont feel my questions are answered there, sorry.
How is the game not pay to win if you can buy more powerful ships?
we are talking about a lot of dollars here, so I am sure these ships must be very good.
now my question is how will this work once the game is out?
will I be able to get ships that are as good as the really expensive ones when I progress in the game? because I would feel foolish if I buy a 300$ ship now and will get one after a few weeks of playing the game.
I would also feel foolish if I have only the chance to get a really good ship now wile pleding and miss that opportuniy, therefore never (or only after hundreds of hours investet) getting a real good ship when I am playing the final game.
also: I wouldnt really want to have a kickass ship right from the beginnig, because the game will probably be tuned for beginner ships at start, therefore making the game too easy.
these are my concerns right now, and again, I am sorry I didnt find the answers to them in the op and the last few pages.
but anyway, this looks very much like pay to win to me, the big question is is it only pay 2 win for pledgers, or after the game launches, too.